Beer-based music festival to bring new flavours to island
Bermuda’s own microbrewery is launching a festival this month featuring beer and live entertainment that is expected to grow into an annual event.
Beermuda, brought by Bermuda Craft Brewing, in Devonshire, evolved from an appreciation of live music and far-flung breweries shared by co-founders Cameron Madeiros and Freddy Phillips.
“We love music and visiting music festivals, so we thought it would make a nice combination,” Mr Phillips said.
“Beermuda will be a destination — you go to the venue at National Stadium and it’s a bit like a village where you can spend time with friends, no rush, and hang out on your own terms.
“Even if you’re not a beer person, the music and entertainment side is going to be worth it.”
He added: “I think we’ve decided it’s going to be annual. For now, a lot of people are really interested in it, so I think we can build on this.”
The space on the National Stadium North Field has a capacity to cater to more than 1,000 guests on each day, September 27 and 28.
Beers will be on tap from breweries in the Netherlands, Germany, Rhode Island and New York.
Five visiting breweries will serve up their creations along with the island brewery’s own selection of beer and cider.
Part of the inspiration came from beer festivals in the Netherlands.
Mr Madeiros said: “We think it will expand everyone’s palates and educate them about types of beer. Non-alcoholic options will be there as well.”
Craft cocktails and wines will also be served with “more than 40 beers” selected from around the world, ranging from IPAs to stouts and sweet sour beer.
Food vendors will include vegan options.
Headlining the festival will be Chris Bullard, a musician the pair saw live in Nashville, Tennessee. Other acts include Working Title, Mike Hind, Chris Finsness Band, DJ Kori Minors, DJ Bonsai, DJ Manai and DJ St Noble, with radio personality Keevil “the Captain” Burgess from Ocean 89 broadcasting.
Gates open at 2pm on September 27, and 11am on the 28th, with a fun zone and children’s entertainment set aside for families.
Mr Madeiros said they were keen to promote “an atmosphere for all ages” alongside a celebration of draught beers and music that would continue each day until 2am.
No single-use plastics will be used at the event. Guests will be given reusable glasses and rinsing stations will allow cups to be cleaned between samples.
Mr Madeiros and Mr Phillips started brewing in their kitchen before moving to the garage and finally setting up shop on Hermitage Road.
Last year the company hired its own brewmaster, Nic Veenstra.
Mr Phillips hopes that the event, geared towards socialising and entertainment rather than “big quantities getting downed”, will grow.
Mr Madeiros added: “We’re just hoping that the weather co-operates — but we’ll have a big tent as well.”
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